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[Pg 1]

Camp near Harrisons Landing Va August 9th 1862

Dear Father

I received your your letter about two
weeks ago and was glad to hear that you was well.  I joined
the army on the 23rd of November last and was made sergeant
at once by Maj HB Clitz commanding so that I have never
done a private soldiers duty and of course escaped much
hard work we stopped at Fort Hamilton till the 5th of March
we then went to Washington and encamped East of the city
stopped there till the tenth the crossed into Virginia
and marched to within about two miles of Fairfax Court
House from here we marched to within a short distance of
Alexandria stopped here nearly two weeks and took steamer
to Fortress Monroe encamped near Hampton for a week from
there marched to Big Bethel stayed there one night directly
in front of the earthworks the next day went on to a city
of log barracks stopped here a week and then marched to camp
Winfield Scott here we built roads & earthworks in front
of the enemy after the evacuation we stopped nearly a week
and then started for Richmond our company was with the
baggage the roads were dreadful and between Yorktown and
WmsBurgh we left about two wagon loads to lighten the trains
and I was left with 10 men and a corporeal to take care of it this was


[Pg2]

Saturday on Monday got transportation on a train going to
West Point we missed the regiment and went to the point stayed
here two days and then got on board of a canal boat and was towed
to Cumberland the Pamunkey river is as crooked as the maps
make it to be at Cumberland rejoined the regiment after a
week absence I had this advantage I had rode the whol distance
that the rest had walked the next day marched to White House stayed
here over Sunday and then went to Tunstalls Station stopped there
till Wednesday then marched about noon this was the hardest
days march that I have ever experienced it was extremely
hot and had no rest on the road the next day marched to
Cold Harbor reaching there about 9 AM in afternoon went on
picket about 4 miles North of camp and stopped there till the
next night on Monday forenoon marched to camp Lovell
near New Bridge and stopped here till the battle of Gaines
Mills nearly five weeks here we built some roads went out
to the battle of Hanover court House but was not engaged in
it went on picket at the bridges over the Chickahominy here
for the first time saw the rebels under arms one day the pickets
fired at us and we returned it none of our men were hurt there
                                  river above the
there was seven bridge built above the ^ RR Bridge but 4 of them were
never used but destroyed with all the pontoon train on the 25th of June
our brigade (the 1st of Gen Sykes division commanded by Lieut Col
Buchanan 4th Infantry) marched to within 7 miles of Hanover Court
House stayed all night the next morning returned to camp


[Pg3]

drew 3 days rations struck our tents (which are made of painted cloth
6 feet long and 4 wide two being put together a soldier carries one of them
and the two sleep together) packed our knapsacks placed them
in a pile and marched about 1½ miles towards Mechicsville a sharp
engagement was going on and we supposed that the advance on Richmond
was about to take place the next morning returned to camp
early the Commissary of the division destroyed all the stores
on hand and there was an immense quantity sutlers tents and all
other property that could be of use to the enemy was destroyed we
marched about two miles to the East and took up our position
in a corn field near the road leading to White House here we made
coffee and had breakfast about 11 AM the enemys artillery opened
fire we were commanded to lay down the shell shot and grape
                                               in our
passed over us for two hours our batteries being ^ rear a short distance
about 12 the rebel Infantry advanced through the woods on the 5th & 10
NYV on our left after a few rounds our men charged and drove them
back this was repeated shortly after the 10th capturing a rebel flag
the enemy now brought a battery to bear so that the 5th had to change
their position leaving their knapachs on the field but their skirmishing
kept the enemy in the woods they now advance along the whole
front and we made a general charge on them but they fell
back being covered by the woods which extended along our
whole front it was now about 4 PM [?] division arrived from
over the river and relieved the regiments on our left the new arrivals
kept up a random fire for about two hours but as the enemy again


[Pg4]

advanced they fell back the enemy now appeared in the woods
in our front and at the first fire the 14th on our right ran away
we were laying down to allow the artillery to fire grape into
the woods over our heads the enemy now being pretty near
and the balls whistling lively over our heads we were ordered
to rise which we did and fired the Major seeing that we were flanked
and likely to be cut off by the others falling back gave the order
to fall back which we did to the road here the Maj was wounded
and being without a Captain fit to take command the regiment got
in confusion and a fresh regiment of rebels having marched in in
the rear of our old position opened fire on us we fell back a short distance
father by a battery here we reformed but most of the men had stragled
away to the rear or been taken prisoners we remained here till after dark
several fresh regiments that went out broke and fell back at the
first fire leaving us still in front the battery now falling back
we went with it we had two men killed in going a short distance
by a solid shot the firing now ceased or nearly so there being a
ravine in our front the enemy did not think [?] to cross it in all
we had fell back about half a mile in 8 hours about 10 wounded
to the rear the 69th Meaghers brigade taking our place we crossed
the Chickahominy about 2 and slept till morning the next day
there was about 250 missing (but [?] 100 of them [joined?] sinc) we were in
line of battle all the afternoon and shortly before sundown started
for James river near Savages Station we found our knapsacks each one
of us took one I did not get mine and lost the one that I did get
the next day it rained most of the night we marched [str...?]
White Oak swamp sleeping a few minutes by the side of the road
in the morning the enemy attacked our pickets in front and here


[Pg5]

we were in line of battle all day in the hot sun and were alarmed
6 or 8 times in the night early in the morning started again for James
river stacked arms once in a wheat field McClellan rode by here
we soon resumed the march and reached a road leading to Richmond
                                                            brigade
our [bg?] & [C?] were detached here for picket till the next regiment[crossed out]
came up we stopped here till about 4 PM no relief came in the
mean time the enemy had opened with artillery from the woods
which this road entered firing f[crossed out] both on the right and left of us
a strong body of troops came out again from towards the river and
there was a hard fight in White Oak swamp near the place that
we had left in the morning being of no further use in our present
position we rejoined our regiment about a mile nearer the river
near a battery that had been engaged in the artillery duell
the gunboats fired for the first time in this fight their shells made
a fearful noise in the air and crashing among the trees
slept some to night but without any cover.  Tuesday July 1st
artillery commenced firing about 8 and continued till nearly
noon was renewed again about 2 and an infantry attack about
a mile from our position about an hour before sun down we were
ordered to meet an attempt of the enemy to advance through a hollow
on the left of our main body we went through the field of tangled
grass and a wheat field partly cut [?] the enemy fell back
as we advanced and Gen Sykes placed us in position to [prevent?]


[Pg6]

a renewal of the attempt the main battle raged to the right and about
an eighth of a mile to the front our fire was terible nothing could
have stood before it about 10 it ceased we slept on the field
all night the wounded were moved to the rear and in the
morning ours was the only brigade in sight we stopped till
about 8 it having rained about 2 hours everything being ready
we fell back the bridges were destroyed and trees felled to
prevent the cavalry following us here I saw one Napoleon
gun abandoned the axle was broke also a cassion but the ammunition
was thrown in the water after going 3 or 4 miles the half knee deep we
were relieved and went to camp 4 or 5 miles farther made a
bed of rails [brushes?] & a painted cloth and slept sound the first
for nearly a week the next morning some shells were fired into camp
but the guns were captured we then came here and have
remained since I do not think that the location is healthy I
received a letter from Caroline yesterday she was well and one from Sarah
we have had some fireing one night but you will see a good account in the
papers I shall try and get a commission if possible but our Major
was wounded and paroled so that there is no one here that I will apply
to but will write to New York soon.  I am acting as Commissary sergeant
at present and have no drills Parades or insptections to attend I have
now to draw provisions for two days there is nothing more to write
about a present so good by         Augustus C Goldin


[Pg7]

Thursday July 3 the enemy fired two shells into our camp
about 9 AM all the troop were turned out but made no
advance in afternoon marched a short distance and encamped
all my goods consisted of the clothes I had on and one painted
blanket 4ft by 6 the rest was lost but we were soon supplied
with clothes on the 4th of July I was appointed acting commissary
sergeant and Sept 1st was appointed full commissary sergeant
we remained here for six weeks there was several reviews one by
the President our division was reviewed about two hours after
dark it is said that the President was much pleased with what
he saw.  There was not much excitement in this camp we were
paid four month of the six months pay due and one night the
rebels paid us the compliment of sending over a few shells from
the south bank of the river our camp being 1½ miles from the landing
but few struck around us.  In the fore part of August orders
were read about baggage the Officers were to have not tents
but shelter tents and to carry no trunks or boxes it seemed as if something
was in the wind on the 10th an order came to send all knapsacks
on board of transports at the landing things now began to look as
if the time for action had arrived. Thursday night the 14th we
loaded our wagons now reduced to 3 and started about 10 PM it
being moonlight we traveled all the night and the next day
till 2 PM when after crossing the Chickahominy we camped for
the night.  The route lay through Charles City Court House at least
             it
I was through ^ the records are all destroyed and I should think
would make great trouble the bridge over the river was quite
a structure it was built with 95 pontoons or scows placed about 25 ft
                                                        as
from centres making it about 2400 feet long and it was so[crossed out] straight as
an arrow.  Saturday morning we started at day light, laying


[Pg8]

                                                                  in
on one side of the road was the body of a slave that had been shot ^ the
night attempting to escape to the rebels.  We marched through Wms
                              in the spring
Burgh (since leaving this place I had not seen a village of over six houses)
and encamped among the earthworks which had been partly defended
                                                 same
by the rebels in their retreat we were now on the ^ road the we had
advanced over three months before a victorious army.  Sunday we
marched to and past Yorktown camp W Scott and encamped near Big Bethel
the roads that in the spring had been almost impassable were now
quite good as the old familiar places came in view it seemed as if though
             ground and
we were on old ^ some would point out a trench or breast work that they had
worked on during the siege the 8th NY [?] were playing soldier here.
On Monday we marched to Newport News reaching there shortly after
noon here we stayed till Wednesday.  Laying but a short distance from
the wharf is the wreck of the Cumberland her masts are rigging still
standing on Wednesday we embarked on the Steamer [Kers?] the 11th Infantry
was also on board imagine 800 men on board of that vessel two days and
nights we stopped at Fortress Monroe the first night the next night in
the mouth of the Potomac and landed at Aquia creek at noon, here
we took the cars to Fredericksburgh, stopped on the North bank of the river,
on Saturday we started to join Gen Pope, made about 8 miles, Sunday after
going 5 or 6 miles returned 2 and were drawn up in line of battle expecting
an attack, the next day made about one mile, Tuesday & Wednesday reached
Warrenton Junction Thursday marched to the north side of Broad Run
Friday to Manassas Junction here our men took the line of the Manassas Gap
R Road toward Bull Run but were not in action till the next day the
result of which is well known it is the slowness of our movements that
is the cause of Gen Porters being ordered to Washington for trial Gen Pope
claiming that if he had followed orders Jackson would have been defeated
on Friday and Lee on Saturday.  Being in Centerville with our wagon
train on Saturday afternoon I started out on horseback to issue rations


[Pg9]

as soon as darkness would stop the battle for a mile or two there was no one on
the road but then we would meet the wounded coming in some with arms gone
some with sabre cuts after crossing Bull Run at the Stone bridge so called
the road became so crowded that it was useless to try to get farther so
halted for a spell the crowd of men wagons & artillery going to the rear
was immense it being evident that the army was retreating we returned
to the train, on the road found Gen Franklins Corps drawn up and their
artillery planted and farther back the troops of Sumner, during the
night our division marched to Centerville, Sunday morning it seemed as
if all was lost, it being the last day of August we were mustered under fire
the second time, after issuing rations the wagons were ordered to
Alexandria about 25 miles, we started at 10 it rained part of the day
half a mile from Centerville Gen McDowell was sitting under a tree and
a small guard was stopping straglers we reached A shortly after
midnight we remained here till Tuesday night the train then
started for Fort Corcoran and Wednesday morning joined the
command at [Halls?] Hill at Bull Run we had one Captain killed
how many men it never could be told as quite a number skedaddled
we remained in this camp till Saturday night then crossed Chain
bridge so called marched to Tennely town and on Sunday to Rockville
we stopped here till Thursday morning then marched through a fine
country till Saturday night brought us to Frederic City quite
                              14
a very little town Sunday Sep 17[crossed out]th crossed the first range of mountains
and came in sight of the battle of South Mountain near enough to
hear the artillery but not small arms Monday night crossed South
Mountain and Tuesday morning was about ½ mile from Antietam creek
here issued rations to the men while doing so the rebels opened fire
on our train and it had to be take farther to the rear losing
two mules in the movement.  There was but little fire on Tuesday


[Pg10]

but Wednesday morning a fire of artillery was opened that fairly
shook the earth and continued most of the day  Porters Corps
was stationed in the centre but made no advance their fire being
entirely from artillery our regiment lost one killed and a few wounded
after dark the Brigade QMaster sent out a wagon with a load of pork
for our brigade and I was with it on the roads we met long rows
of ambulances bringing in the wounded the road was rough & stoney
and their groans were enough to make any one sick of war
Thursday nothing was done on our side we could see the enemys
skirmishers but under a flag of truce our men were kept back
the next morning the enemy was across the river.  On Friday I
walked over a mile or two of the battle field our dead were chiefly
burried here and there you could see a man dressed in blue the rebels
lay in heaps there was a lane that was sunk about two feet below
the level of the field this was almost filled with dead and they
lay in every direction they were swolen to twice their natural
size and were black in the face an presented a disgusting
sight I see that some writters  make a distinction between our
men and the rebels in regard to their [turning?] but I could see
no difference, there was one grave marked with the name of Capt
Craig Matly 10th [?] regt under this it said 42 dead rebels in this hole
arms lay around by the thousand.  On Saturday the 20th our division
encamped opposite the ford each regiment was on picket once in six
days till we left.  President Lincoln reviewed us here the men were
furnished with clothes and on the 31st of October we marched again through
Cramptons Gap and to Harpers Ferry then to Snickers Gap our division
held that point 3 days then marched to White Planes from there here
reaching here on last Sunday the next day Gen McClellan left and
Wednesday Gen Porter.  In my next will give you more particulars this is rather longer
                           Remember me to all enquiring friends
than I expected to write               Yours Truely            Augustus C Goldin
                                                                   1st Batt 12th Inf USA


[Pg11]

[Marginalia at top]

A [R? or B?] Cohaskey
Nov. 28.


Head Quarters 1st Batt 12th Infantry camp near Warrenton Va November 15th 1862
Friend Sturgess

Having promised when last in Fairfield, to write to
you will do so now, although it has been long delayed and I will commence with
our departure from Fort Hamilton.  On the fifth of March, our battalion marched from
the barracks and went on board of the steamer John Potter which conveyed us to Amboy,
there we took the cars and reached Camden about dark, crossed the river, were
entertained in the old cooper shop, and left about 9 O clock for Baltimore, which
place was reached the next morning about 11 AM, here we marched about two
miles through the streets to the Washington cars and reached that place at 4 PM,
here we stayed in a building known as the soldiers rest. To give you a good idea of
it image a building large enough for 800 men to lay down on the floor and you have it
I stayed in it but one night being a guard the next about 3 miles away with wagons
well on the 8th (Saturday) we encamped 2 miles East of the Capital Monday morning
we were called at 4 O clock and ordered to be ready to march leaving our tents one
blanket, and all extra clothing which would be sent to us (and that was the last
that we saw of it) we marched at noon at dark they gave us painted blankets in
Washington and then we crossed long bridge it being the first time I had put
my feet on the sacred soil the next day we marched to within 2 miles of Fairfax
Court House and here commenced living in shelter tents on Saturday started before
daylight to march back to Alexandria through a hard rain stopped at camp California
here hardship commenced, some did not pitch their tents till night and then had to stay
                                                                day
out till morning we remained here till the 26th of March on that ^ marched to Alexandria
and went on board of the steamer Georgia, to go to Fortress Monroe. I should have said
that our regiment was in Gen Sykes brigade While at camp California I saw a review
of Gen McDowels Corps [?] at Fairfax Seminary. We arrived at Fortress Monroe on
28th and then encamped near Hampton, and but a short distance from the James
river, here we stopped till the 4th of April, we were quite busy drilling principaly
double quick, could get no postage stamps here and was out of money.  We marched
on the 4th to Big Bethel, and encamped direcly in front of the earthworks, that Gen
Pierce attempted to capture nearly a year before. I might give some description but
the best one is that it looks ugly to approach with determined men behind the breastworks
aided by a few good cannons.  The next morning we marched but made but little headway
as is rained and there was thousands of others on the road at dark we reached a camp
called I believe by the Rebels, camp Marion, at all events there was quite a city of Pine
houses shingled with staves and chimneys built of wood lined with clay the wagons
did not arrive till the next day Sunday, and then had to go to Ship Point for provisions
and did not return till we were nearly starved out. Here the utmost vigalence was taken
so to be prepared for any emergency, arms and ammunition being inspected daily and five
roll calls per day. There was snow fell on the 10th.  Heard in this camp of the battle
of Pittsburg Landing. Saturday April 12th marched to camp Winfield Scott here strict
orders were given that no noise should be made, nor a bugle or drum sounded,
so that we had silenced for the space of 3 weeks, our camp was on a fine plain East
of Wormley creek near Gen McClellans Head Quarters, alongside of the road to Ship Point
our principal occupation here was to drill build roads and dig ditches sometimes quite
near the enemys works, on these expeditions started after dark and worked with loaded
muskets laying near, one night a picket wounded a dog near us.  On the 30th of April
we were mustered by Maj Clitz there was now 4 months pay due us the paymaster had
been in camp and payed regiments on both sides of us, and we felt quite slighted
but there was no remedy, greenbacks, were sour grapes.  Two days before the evacuation


[Pg12]

the rebels treated us with a few shells from a large gun one of them passed over
                                                              did
our camp and struck near where I was washing a shirt, but they ^ done no damage and
the gun soon exploded and stopped their fun, this was Friday, on Sunday morning, there
                                                                                 the
was a rumor in camp that the rebels had left; it soon changed to a certainty, for, ^ music
struck up and that confirmed it.  Some part of the army marched the same and
                                    hear
next day on Monday afternoon we could ^ the Artillery near WmBurgh.
Friday May 9th we struck our tents and took up the line of march for Richmond
Co G was detailed for bagage guard we passed over or through the worst roads
that I had ever seen 3 of the wagons had to be unloaded to get them out of
bad places we made about 7 miles by 10 O clock PM, and then stopped for the
night, the next morning part of the load was taken out of the wagons and left
in my charge, with a corporeal and 10 men, we stopped here two days then getting
put[struck out] the bagage on board of a passing train was taken to West Point from here
up the Pamunkey to Cumberland Landing, and joined the regiment having been
absent one week. The day after joining we marched to the White House stopped
till Monday, then marched to Tunstalls Station on the Richmond & York River
Rail Road.  While at this place the 5th Army Corps was formed and our brigade made
a division by the addition of the 1st Connecticut Volunteers the 3rd 4th 12th & 14th Regts being
the 1st brigade commanded by Lieut Col R C Buchanan, the 2nd 10th 11th & 17th being the second
commanded by Maj Chapman (now by Maj Lovell) the third the 5th & 10th NYV & the 1st Conn
Vol commanded by Col now Gen Warrin (this brigade is now composed entirely of NY troops)
May 21st and 22nd marched to Cold Harbor here went on picket for the first time about
four miles from camp but did not see the enemy 26th marched to camp Lovell near
New Bridge, our camp was about one mile from Dr Gaines house here we were engaged
in the expedition that took Hanover Court House but were not in action at the
battle of Fair Oaks our division were under arms and marched out to the river but there
was no bridge and they did not cross after this we furnished pickets at the bridges
that were built about the Rail Road and working parties to build roads we had
quite an excitement about Stuarts raid to Tunstalls and were out once to meet him but
he was some were else so things passed along till the 25th of June on that day our brigade
started 10 AM and marched to within 7 miles of Hanover Court House had pickets
out that night the next day returned reaching camp before noon three
days rations were issued and we were ordered to strike our tents which we did.
On our first arrival in camp Lovell orders were read informing us that a great
and decisive battle was at hand and that each man should have 60 rounds
of ammunition and that no wagons would cross the Chickahominy till after the
battle was decided this was repeated again shortly after the battle of Fair Oaks and
it now seemed as if the great move for which the country had waited so long was
about to take place. Having completed our preperations we started shortly before
                                                from camp
sundown on the road to Mechanicsville about 1 mile ^ here[struck out] we were drawn up in
like of battle on both sides of the road there was now heavy firing in front and
it was kept up long after dark but is approached no nearer us, here we spent
the night at early daylight we got up and returned to our camp now deserted by
all except a few sutlers here our men appropriated what goods the sutlers had burnt
    tents
their ^ and a large stock of commissary stores and then marched 3 miles in a South
East direction here we took the position that we occupied in the Battle of Gaines Mill
the battle is should have borne in mind was fought principaly by Porters Corps the
attack on the right were we were posted commenced at 11 AM with artillery on
the part of the enemy and was replied to by ours in about half an hour more
their infantry having advanced they opened fire on the 5th & 10th NY Volunteers


[Pg13]

stationed on our left about a ¼ of a mile after a few voleys the Zouaves charged and
drove the enemy back but did not follow there being woods in front shortly after this
was repeated, this time the NY troops captured the colors of a rebel regiment the enemy
having brought a battery to bear on the position of the Zouaves through a ravine that[struck out] had[struck out]
in which they were posted they had to change their front the rebel skirmishers now avanced
on our front but as we were laying down behind a small hill we were protected
from their fire but unfortunately for them the Zouaves picked off every man that advanced
from under cover of the woods they being armed partly with Sharps rifles.  We now
advanced over the hill and after 2 or 3 volleys charged down on the enemy in the edge of a
small Pine wood but they fell back we now retired back up the hill in doing so lost
some men by a solid shot going through the ranks in the advance we lost quite
a number we now took up a position in front of a small piece of wood the battle on
the left still raged, and on the right with artillery, about two hours before sundown
Gen Slocums division came over the river to reinforce as they relieved the troops on our
left one regiment in particular I noticed carried on a heavy fire but fired over the
                                                          be
brow of a hill with so much elevation that the balls would ^ spent before they reached
the ground things were going on this way an hour then the enemy made an advance in
great force everything on our left gave way and the one reg’t on our right fell back to the
road still we received no command (we were laying down) Maj Clitz soon ordered us
to rise and we fired but seeing that we should soon be cut off from the main body
the order was given to fall back to the road, which we did at a double quick in executing
this movement our Major one Captain & 3 Lieutenants were wounded and on Lieut killed the enemy were
now pressing us hard in front and on both flanks and there was no support so we fell
back still farther and supported a battery some fresh regiments now came up but they
stood but one fire and then ran leaving us still in front we remained here till dark
the battery was then withdrawn and we went with it some of our men were killed in
this movement crossing the fire of a rebel battery we were now near a house used for a hospital
here for the first time we saw the Irish brigade the firing now ceased as it was so dark that
you could not tell Friend from foe.  After remaining here about half an hour we were
marched down near the river here we made coffee and had scarcely laid down before a
fresh order came to cross the river which we did over Woodburys  bridge and Stacked
arms in Gen McClellans old quarters and got about 3 hours sleep I was up early and got a
canteen of water and cooked some breakfast.  We soon ascertained that our forces had all
crossed the river and that the bridges were being destroyed at noon we were again in
line of battle expecting the enemy to attempt a crossing but he did not come one hour
before sundown we were withdrawn and marched to Savages Station near which we found
our knapsacks that had been taken in wagons from the field before the battle began that
is we found some one’s it being dark I lost the one that I took the next day it was now
9 PM and raining we started to march through White Oak swamp having hardly slept
for three nights before been in battle nearly all day Friday you may judge of our state
well we marched 4 hours then halted no sooner did the men sit down than they
were asleep we were alarmed once by some cavalry passing but slept a few hours started again
at daylight the men were sufferring for water we shortly reached a brook here we halted
for half an hour and eat some crackers and bacon and again resumed the march
we had gone but a short distance before we reached a turn in the road and
heard a smart fire of musketry we were soon in line of battle and remained so all
day at night we attempted to sleep but were alarmed by the pickets fireing and
were again in line I slept but little more the wagon train was thundering by all night
added to the expectations of an attack kept me awake prepared to meet the enemy
but they did not come.  In the morning Monday Jun 30 we marched for Malvern Hills


[Pg14]

it was but a few miles but the men suffered much for want of water.  I saw one canteen
sold for one dollar but I managed to get a drink at a brook, on reaching a road leading
to Richmond Company’s C & G were detached for picket duty, to be relieved by the next
brigade that came along the main body were posted under a large tree in a field
were the battle of Malvern Hills was fought the next day here we remained till 4 PM
the enemy had opened a heavy fire from the woods and our artillery was replying, our
captain thinking that there was no farther use for us withdrew the pickets and started
to find the regiment our road lay throug quite a heavy fire but as cannon balls are
more likely to miss than hit you we all escaped and joined the command.  This
was muster day and the command was mustered under fire we slept some this night
after hearing that Heintzleman had driven the enemy back.  Tuesday July 1st Clear
morning the ball soon opened with artillery from both sides and it was quite warm
in our neighborhood part of the time.  I wrote a letter to send home this morning but
had no chance to send it till after reaching Harrisons Landing.  In the afternoon
the rebels having evidently exausted their amuniton for large guns advanced their
Infantry the reception that they met is a matter of history it was utterly useless to
                          the
attempt to advance against ^ murderous fire of our forces.  Our division had been assigned
to protect the batteries and left flank but as the battle progressed it was found that
our right did not protect some batteries and that the enemy were advanceing through
the ravine, to remedy this the 12th & 14th regulars were ordered to advance through this
ravine and drive the enemy back this we did they falling back as fast as we
advanced, our course was through a clover field which was as tangled as clover ever was
and there was numerous small ditches and some large ones I made up my mind
that it would be bad place to retreat better push ahead we soon cleared this and
came into a wheat field the enemy having evidently given up his idea in this
direction we marched by the right flank till our right lay near the forces engaged
in front it was now dark our men and the 14th were ordered to lay down we soon
heard in front of us the well known command forward guide centre this move was
to capture a battery directly behind us as soon as they approached near enough to
be seen (our men being hid by the nature of the ground) we poured into them a deadly fire
which they did not return but left and we were not disturbed again the battle
was now raging in front it seemed as if the cannon kept up a continual fire and
added to this was the fire of thousands of muskets nothing could be seen except
by the flashes of the powder by 10 O clock the fire fell of and soon ceased all together
and the docters and attendents commenced to gather the wounded and dressed[ed crossed out] their
wounds.  I being well tired lay down on the ground and slept most of the night we
were aroused before daylight to be prepared in case of a suden attack but none was made
when it was light enough to see I was surprised to find that our brigade was the only
troops left on the field what would we be about (2000) two thousand of us if the enemy advanced
in force but there we were and must make the best of our regiment was marched
to a field on the right of the road here a company was sent out as skirmishers and we sat down
it soon commenced to rain, and took it, for two hours the commenced falling back we soon
reached the position that we had occupied the day before and found that all of the artillery
troops and wagons were gone leaving us the sole possesors of the field and we soon left
going down a hill that must have been steep in good weather and was doubly so now
at the foot of this hill we came on the road it was from ankle to half knee deep with mud we
soon reached a small creek here there was men standing with axes to cut away the bridge and some
had trees half cut off to fall accross the road to delay the enemy in case he followed shortly
after crossing we were drawn up and a battery planted but we were relieved and marched
for the landing here we stopped in a field with mud to our ankles but making a bed with a few rails and bushes
slept well till morning


[Pg15]

Camp near Stafford Court House Va November 29th 1862

Dear Father

I received your letter at Sharpsburg a
few days after the battle of Anteitam.  You probably know
from the papers of the route that wee[last e crossed out] took from Harrisions
Landing our division was the first that started after
reaching Aquia creek we took the RR to Falmouth thence
along the [S written over by N]orth bank of the Rappohanack to Bealton Station
on the A & Orange RR thence to Warrenton Junction Mannassas Junction
& Centervill Alexandria Washington Rockvill Frederick
City leaving the last place on the 14th of Sep the next night
crossed South Mountain the road was strewn with the dead
of the battle of Sunday Tuesday there was but a little
firing but on Wednesday the 17 the roar of Artillery was
almost incessent and the continual discharge of musketry
resembled the noise of a thousand wagons but night at
length closed the scene the roads that night were crowded
with ambulances bringing off the wounded the 5th Crops
to which we belong was not[crossed out] but slightly engaged on
Friday I went over the right of the field for about 2 miles
our dead were nearly all buried but on some portions of
the field the enemys dead lay in heaps in one lane the
ground was completely covered with their dead and all
the building around Sharpsburg were filled with the wounded
most of the houses in Sharpsburg were riddled with our shot


[Pg16]

and shell we encamped near the ford till the 30th
of October then started first to Harper Ferry Snickersvill
White Plains on the Manassas Gap RR then to Warrenton here we
heard that Gen McClellan was removed from there to the Junction
encamping for the night about 1/8 of a mile from the place that
we stopped on in August from there continued the march
till we reached this place last Sunday we are 1 mile
from the RR and about 8 from Aquia Creek Gen Butterfield
is now in command of this Corps Gen Porter having been
removed and Gen Hooker commanding a grand division
We have been expecting an attack on Fredericksburgh
for some time but nothing is now doing the cars are running
to Falmouth. My health is quite good since leaving
the landing my present weight is 180 lbs I have no
more to say at present.

From Your Son
Augusta C Goldin
1st Batt 12th Inf USA


[Pg17]

1

Camp near Potomac Creek Va June 3d 1863
Friend Sturgess
I will take up my story at
the same place I left off at Warrenton
Nov 12th troops turned out to take leave of
Gen Fitz John Porter he having been releived
from the command of the 5th Corps he and
Lieut Col Buchanan commanding our
brigade had a long talk they appeared to
be old friends, Gen Hooker was now placed
in command of the corps.  Sunday Nov
16 orders issued making three grand divisions
of the army the 2d & 9th Corps the right grand
division commanded by Maj Gen E V Sumner,
the 1st & 6th Corps the left grand division
commanded by Maj Gen Wm B Franklin
the 3d & 5th corps the centre grand division
commanded by Major General Joseph Hooker
the 11th corps under Gen Seigel being the
reserve. Gen Butterfield now took command
of the 5th corps Nov 17th .Our grand division


[Pg18]

2

being the rear guard of the army in its
change of base to Fredericksburgh, the wagon
train preceeded it on the march reaching
Warrenton Junction at sundown we encamped
about ¼ of a mile from the camp of the 27th of
August the troops arrived shortly after, it
now commenced to rain which was unpleasant
as it was dark and no wood near to get poles
to “pitch tents”? with; large quantities of grain
& hard bread had been brought out by the
cars and lay along the track. Nov 18th
marched early in the direction of Fredericks-
burgh the roads were bad in many places
we made but little headway. Gen Hooker
passed in an ambulance not having
recovered from the wound received at
Anteitam, about dark parked our train
in a plowed field, the troops encamped
near by, some rain fell during the
night, Nov 19th moved early but stopped
about noon near Hartwood Church, some


[Pg19]

3

rain during the day and night.  Nov. 20th
rainy day remained in camp Nov 21st
Pleasant day Nov 22nd Saturday general call
sounded struck our tents and started
when the wagons had gone about ¼ of a
mile were ordered to turn around again and
we pitched tents, two hours after the call
went again we started and made 5 or 6
miles and encamped for the night. Nov.
23rd Sunday revellie before daylight marched
about five miles and found ourselves near
the Henry House so called on the South
bank of Potomac Creek 1½ miles from the
Rail Road and here we encamped and
sent our teams to Belle Plain for provisions
and forage, nothing of much interest occurred
from this time till the 11th of December
except some reviews by Gen Hooker whose
Head Quarters where at the Henry House it
was supposed that we were waiting for
pontoons to build bridges if so they took


[Pg20]

4

time enough to make them.  Dec 11th Thursday
Revellie at 4 O’clock A.M. wagons loaded and
ready to march at daylight, when the troops
started in the direction of Falmouth at
the same time the artillery opened along
the river the fireing soon became heavy,
when about one mile from Falmouth we
halted our train after waiting some time
                              it
we turned around and parked (our train
in a plowed field the mud was quite
deep we remained here till nearly dark
then received orders to take the wagons to
the command had nearly reached there
over bad roads, stumps etc when the order
was countermanded except for the supply
train which proceeded we issued one
day’s rations we then returned to the
woods near the field spoken of above
and slept for the night after we had
made some coffee, Dec 12th artillery fire
still continued ascertained that the


[Pg21]

5

bridges were completed and that the town
was in our possession troops were crossing
and preperations were being made to drive the
enemy from the works in the rear of the town
Saturday Dec 13th 1862. The artillery fire commenced
early and was soon followed by long ceasless
roars of Musketry to realize this sound you
must hear it no description can do it justice
nothing but the excitment and poor aim
prevents one regiment from utterly destroying
any
each other, about 2 P.M. Sykes division
received orders to cross the river up to
this time they had been lying in rear
of Falmouth out of range of the guns of
the enemy at this time the sight was
grand in rear of Fredericksburgh, our men
had made many attempts to carry the
works but without success, on the left
Gen Franklin appeared to be having a hard
fight the clouds of smoke told the vast
amount of powder that was being expended


[Pg22]

6

in the endeavor to drive and get in the rear
of their position on the plain near the
Lacy House our division was marching to
the bridge under the fire of the enemy’s
artillery, reaching the bridge they had
to halt and remain for some time exposed
to this fire and lost some men they crossed
however before dark the other brigades 2d & 3d
however did not cross till in the night our
men were soon moved to the front and
releived other troops on pickett their
position was close to the enemy’s works
they were so close to the enemy that they
were obliged to ly down to hide themselves
they continued here all day Sunday the
14th ; if a man only raised his head he
would get a bullet through it or close
by which would be warning enough
to keep quiet for a time some of our
men getting in a factory picked off the
rebel gunners and prevented them from



[Pg1]

7

annoying our men as much as they otherwise
would our brigade was releived about a
midnight and returned to the town
here they had some shelter.  Monday Dec
15th there was some fireing to day but
no general advance or attack whenever
their batteries in rear of the town would
fire our batteries on Falmouth heights
would reply the latter were out of the
range of any guns the enemy had
The only wagons that where allowed
to cross the bridges were ammunition
and the ambulances long trains of
the latter were busy bringing over
the wounded and taking them to the
Rail Road and hospitals on the North
side of the river.  After dark our brigade
commander sent over to the wagons for
all the spades to dig rifle pits they
were all lost.  Dec. 16th The army evacuated
the South bank before daylight and


[Pg2]

8

took up the bridges; the 1st brigade and
5th N.Y.V. 3d brigade, Sykes division covered
the retreat from the city Co’s B & E of the
12th Infantry being the last troops that
crossed the bridges before they were taken
up, the division then returned to the
position they occupied before crossing;
it commenced raining about 4 A.M.
which made it quite unpleasant.
On Monday afternoon Seigels Corps arrived
partly at Stafford Court House the balance
near the river on Tuesday they all
marched near the river but took no
part in the movements.  Tuesday afternoon
rode over to the 17th Conn. Volunteers and
saw some friends they were the first persons
belonging to the army, from Connecticut
with whom I was previously acquainted
that I had seen.  Dec 17th returned to
camp near Potomac creek found that
Seigels Corps had stopped near here


[Pg3]

9

one night and they had destroyed all
the fence around the Henry House and everything
else that we had left.  Our losses in the
battle that had just taken place were
variously estimated at from 10 to 12 thousand
that there was a great many there can be no
doubt.  The committee on the conduct of the
war investigated the matter to find out
who was to blame for the result of the
crossing, and their verdict was a lame attempt
to fasten it on Gen Franklin who com-
manded the left wing but what could
you expect from men who knew no
more about war or how it should be con-
ducted than a child.  We had orders to move
again in the latter part of December but did
not start, on the 20th of January another move
commenced in the afternoon troops marched
2 miles commenced to rain at 8 P.M.; Jan
21st still raining the army marched to near
Hartwood Church the rain had taken the


[Pg4]

10

frost out of the ground makeing it almost
impassable Jan 22d army near Banks Ford
but where unable to advance rations had
to be taken out to them on pack mules
the rain still continued.  Jan 23d still
raining details sent out to repair roads
so that the army could return to camp
24th January our division returned to camp
at 11 A.M. wet and muddy but they soon
made themselves comfortable.
Gen Burnside now went to Washington
and two days after the order was issued
releiving him from the command which was
turned over to Gen Hooker, many other Officers
where releived at the same time.

It was now supposed that action would
be the order of the day and Northern papers
were filled with stories of reorganization but
that was all that we saw of it there was
no sign of a move, ovens were put up to
bake bread for the troops and things looked


[Pg5]

11

like a permanent camp furloughs were granted
to the men at the rate of 2 to 100 men for
periods of from 8 to 10 days according to the
distance they had to travel some took
advantage of this to desert but most of them
returned; received a furlough myself on the
12th of March and started for New York reaching
     on
there ^ the 13th and home on the 14th returned on
the 22nd; while at home went to church having
been but once in over a year and that in
June 1862.  April 6th President received with
a salute of 20 guns one short of the proper
number but at Sharpsburgh they fired
22 so he owed us one this made us even
April 7th division called out to receive the
President, April 8th division marched to
near Falmouth where the President reviewed
a large part of the army April 10th a
general muster of the army April 12th Sunday
review by Maj. General Fogliardi (of the Swiss
army) April 13th large bodies of cavalry moving


[Pg6]

12

to the right received six mouths pay from
Sept 1st 1862 to Feb 28th 1863.  April 14th men
ordered to turn in all clothing that could
be spared, 8 days rations issued 5 to be
carried in knapsack and three in haversack
this looked like a long march.  The mail
made up to night to go out in the morning
contained 140 Ambrotypes taken by two
Artists near by, the number of stamps on them
varied from one to five each the total weight
of mail was 12 pounds Lieut. Col Paul
took command of our brigade to day April
15th commenced raining in the night and
continued all day putting a stop to any
movement that might have been contemp-
lated. our ovens were taken down to day
April 16th another order to carry 3 days rations
in Regimental wagons making 11 days to be
carried April 17th brigade reviewed by Col Paul
18th reviewed by Maj Gen Sykes. April 19th
during some movements of Weeds battery near


[Pg7]

13

Gen Warren’s a cassion blew up wounding
some men. April 21st Col Paul releived from
the command of our brigade he having been
made a Brig. Gen. Gen R B Ayres took command
April 24th stormy day heavy shower in
evening April 27th Monday struck our tents
at 10 O clock army moved toward Hartwood
church April 28th Army still moving some
rain April 28th some rain army still moving
crossed at Kellys ford on pontoons 11th & 12th corps
crossed the Rapidan on pontoons the 5th corps
forded it waist deep.  April 30th 3d corps marched
to United States Ford May 1st Sykes division had
a skirmish with the enemy May 2d 1st corps
moved to the right, 2 divisions of the 2d corps
had already gone May 2d Saturday Jackson
marched to the rear of our army and attacked
the 11th corps (Gen Howard) on the flank they
were taken by surprise and fled in all directions
Gen Sickels with the 3d corps succeeded in
checking the enemy and finally repulsing them


[Pg8]

14

the 11th corps was afterward got together and
put in a place of safety May 3rd Sunday
about 5 A.M. Jackson renewed the battle
and it raged with great fury for 5 hours
the 3d & 12th corps bore the brunt of the attack
the enemy after being repulsed did not
renew the attack[crossed out] fight again but turned
his attention to Sedgwick who captured
the heights in rear of Fredericksburgh this
same afternoon. Monday May 4th clear day
the enemy shelled the wagon trains at
United States Ford but did little damage our
men capturing their guns a few shells fell
among some rebel prisoners causing them
to make quite a nose the enemy having
turned on Gen Sedgwick compelled him to
recross the river at Banks ford May 5th
The wagon trains belonging to the right wing,
where ordered back in the direction of Falmouth
they commenced moving about 10 A.M.
at 3 P.M. it commenced to rain and[crossed out]


[Pg9]

15

what at first threatened to be a shower
turned into a steady rain and in a few hours
the roads were in a bad condition. The
pioniers were sent to cut roads from the
front to the river to allow the army to fall
back and during the night the main
body crossed, the 5th corps covered the retreat
they started from the front at daylight
crossed the river and reached camp at 4
P.M. in the old place the result of the
move can be summed up 10000 men killed
wounded and prisoners and we captured one
gun more than we lost, since then 20 or
30 thousand men have returned home
their term of service having expired
Jun 4th Sykes division ordered to march
at 3 A.M., the 1st brigade to Banks ford
where we now are, the enemy have quite
a force on the other side of the river the
weather is fine. I commenced writing this
at the old camp but had to postpone


[Pg10]

16

it on account of the move till to day
June the 8th.  Write and let me know what
is going on.  Direct 12 US Infantry Washington
D.C.

Give my respects to all inquireing
who happen to inquire after me

Yours Truly

Augustus C Golding

H c A Sturgess Esq
Fairfield Connecticut


[Pg11]

Camp Three mile Station Va Nov 3d 186[2?]

Friend Sturgess

After leaving Fairfield remained
at the hospital till the middle of Sept was then a short
time at Convalesent camp left there on the 26th of Sept
and reached the Reg’t the same day near Fairfax Culpepper
County Va. On the road saw the 12th Corps moving towards
Alexandria; the general impression in the army seemed to
be that no farther advance would take place but the
next move would be backward and a move made by the 6th
Corps on the 5th of October seemed to confirm that opinion
as they releived the 2nd Corps and the latter retired to the
position the 6th had occupied if an advance was intended
they would not have fallen back as far.

In the evening of the 9th an order was received to be
ready to move at a short notice with 8 days rations the
notice proved to be the shortest we had ever received as
general call went without revellee at 2 O’clock of the
10th shortly after the 5th corps marched about 2 miles
to the East and remained there most of the day
reaching camp again about dark some tents were pitched
but general call took them down and repacked them
in the wagons and at 8 PM the wagon train of the 5th Corps
commenced its retreat that of the 3d Corps had preceeded us
on the same road on the North side of the Rail Road the 1st &


[Pg12]

6th on the South side the second being in rear probably was
ahead of all till the North side of the river was reached; this
march with the train was one of the most tiresome in my experience
all the teams belonging to our brigade had just been drawn
since the return from New York and had never drawn a heavy
load the night was dark the roads bad and the air
was chilly many of the wagons were turned over but
fortunately none of our reg’t at sunrise we were near
Brandy Station and about 9 O’clock crossed the Rappahannock
on a pontoon bridge and encamped near the station; our
corps was assigned the duty of rear guard from Culpepper
and they did not finnaly cross the river till the morning
of he 12th.  Our train started on the evening of the 11th
and was out all night there was the usual number of
wagons overturned on the road we reached Bealton at
day light. w remained there till the morning of the 12th
when we was aroused by a musketry fire on the East side of the
Rail Road about 3 AM the enemy was repulsed and we
started at daylight when about one mile from Warrenton
Junction the train was parked here was the largest collection
of wagons I had ever seen in one field after remaining
here a short two of our Regt’s wagons with 20 others belonging
to the division started with rations which we did near
Catlett station we remained with the troops all night
(we were about 1 mile from Gen Meade’s Head Quarters) the balance
of the train started shortly after and traveled all that
night the next day night and part of the day following then
they reached Fairfax station, our small train started again at 8 AM


[Pg13]

being light loaded we traveled fast, on the road we came to on[e]
place were a battery of artillery was in position to repel the
enemy in case they made an attack but they did not
appear till after we left the second corps was not the rear
guard the 5th being on the left flank the way we was marching
on reaching Broad Run we followed the South bank of that strea[m]
to Brenttsville near the same road we traveled in June last
here we crossed and took a by road which for hills and
crooks among the trees was one of the worst I have seen
after dark we made but little headway in fact stood
still most of the night some of us took advantage of
this to sleep in one of the wagons that was empty, shortly
after daylight we started again, the roads being worse than
than the day before hills almost straight up and down
and places just as wide as the wagon the least deviation
throwing it down in the hollow the wrecks of some could
be seen, also tents, camp kettles, crackers and many other
things strewn along the road, however we reached the
main body of the train about noon they having arrived
about two hours ahead although they had a start of
16 hours after resting here a short time we started again
reaching Fairfax Court House shortly before dark here found
the troops Oct 16th 5th Corps moved to Centerville about dark
in a heavy rain they returned again on the 18th from this
time I have been with the troops on the march Monday
morning the 19th marched at daylight passing through
Centerville crossing Bull Run on a pontoon bridge and encamped
for the night on the same field that our division engaged the


[Pg14]

enemy on the 30th of August 1862 this place was of great interest
to those who had been here before more than it was to me
still I found much to interest me in one place a man
had been covered up but the dirt had washed off leaving
his fleshless head and feet exposed to view in other places bones
could be seen cartrige boxes bayonet scabbards and other
marks of a battle we started again on the 20th at 3 AM
reached Gainsville at day light while here the first locomotive
came up on the Manassas Gap RR Shortly after a rain of cars come
loaded with grain, about noon we marched to near New Baltimore
remained there till the 24th then marched to near Catlett Station
left there last Friday and came here. we are now about
two miles from Warrenton Junction and one mile from Three
mile Station on the branch road

My former letter was written from Banks Ford in June
we left there on the 13th and marched to Hartwood Church
Sunday the 14th started again shortly before reaching Warrenton
Junction we turned to the N East and reaching Brenttsville
encamped having traveled 31 miles under a hot sun in the
morning reached Manassasas Junction from there to Gun Springs
by the way of Centerville then to Aldie from here through Leesburgh
to Edwards Ferry and then to White Oak Springs here
Gen Meade took command of the army our route lay through
Frederic City Liberty Union Bridge Unionville [?] Union Mills
and Hanover to Gettysburg from here I went to Hospital
Part of the time of my absence the Reg’t was in [New?] York

It is warm to day, and as a general thing the weather
is good this is all at present do not forget to answer
this              Yours Truly

Augustus C Goldin


[Pg15]

Camp on Kettle Run Va April 14th 1864

Friend Sturgess

As I was saying in
my last that we were at Three Mile Station
on the Warrenton Branch RR will now commenced with
the march from that place the road having been completed
to Warrenton Junction and our supplies complete we had
Reveille at 3:30 AM Nov 7th and marched at 7 AM the line
of march being toward Bealton Station from there we followed
the line of the RR toward the river the track had been torn
up the ties piled up with the rails on them and then burnt
the rails bending as heated till their ends touched the ground
the bridges are destroyed and the building at Bealton
burned.  When about two miles from the river
we marched to the left and formed double column threw
out skirmishers toward the river. At this time the
enemy held the forts on the North bank, both at the RR
and Kellys Ford at 1:30 a smart fire opened at the
latter place this lasted two hours at about the time this
ceased a fire opened near the Rail Road first with artillery
soon small arms commenced cheifly skirmish about sundown
there was a heavy fire and at the same time we were


[Pg16]

ordered forward through the woods after going about half
a mile it was found that the line had become deranged
by the difficulty in getting through the dense brushwood we
now deployed by the right flank and continuing to march
by the flank reached a point near the RR it was now
nearly dark and the troops already engaged having captured
the forts and driven the enemy across the river we bivouaced
for the night.

Nov 8th was called at 4 AM no drum being beaten or bugle blown shortly
after we marched through woods and over rocks for about half an
hour then reached the Falmouth road it was now daylight
and we marched rapid along this in the direction of that
place we soon reached Kellys Ford here found the 2nd
Corps and we halted till one PM to allow them and
one division of the 6th Crops to cross the river, after
crossing threw out skirmishers on the left flank, when
about one mile from the Ford halted for one hour or more
then marched one and a half miles farther and encamped
for the night we were in sight of the Blue Ridge
towards night there was some fireing in the direction
of Culpepper Court House   Nov 9th Cloudy day a heavy
snow squall in afternoon the 2nd Corps encamped on our
left to the West

Nov 10th at 12 O’clock marched half a mile and encamped


[Pg17]

in a Pine wood our wagons came up towards night
and we were told that we would stay here for some time
nothing of interest till Nov 22d an order was issued on
that day that the troops were to carry but 5 days rations
instead of 8 as before   Nov 23d orders came to move in morning
Nov 24 revielle at 4.00 AM marched across deep creek so called
after proceeding about one mile an order came to return as
                                             roads
the rain of the night before had rendered the ^ impassable
for artillery    Nov 26th Revielle at 4 AM marched at daylight
after going a short distance halted and a dispatch from
Gen Grant read announcing that he had captured lookout
mountain and defeated the enemy we reached the
Rapidan and crossed at Culpepper [mine?] Ford marched
through a woody country to the plank road from Fredericksburg
to Culpepper Court House marched along this for
several miles and at 7 PM bivouaced in the fields the
night was extremely cold but rail fences were plenty in
this neighborhood   Nov 27th marched at sunrise when near
Wilderness church took another plank road leading towards
Gordonsville afer we had passed the junction of the two
roads about 4 miles part of our ammunition and ambulance
train was captured at the junction firing in our front
commenced at the same time which [D][crossed out] added to the
explosion of the powder in the waggons made our


[Pg18]

position seem quite critical the fire in front was from
a horse battery belonging to Greggs cavalry division we soon
reached New Hope church and the action had become quite
hot the 3d division releived the cavalry and it seemed that
an engagement was coming on but the firing soon
ceased the 1st Corps was in our rear Nov 28th rainy up early
at 10 A M commenced to fall back took a road leading to the
left after marching through woods and mud for 5 or 6 miles reached
[Robersons?] tavern we was now near the main body a sharp
engagement had occurred here the day before we stopped in
the woods for the night  Sunday Nov 29th marched at 4 AM about
two miles to the front and relieved the second corps near the
[?] works it was now near daylight we remained here all day
Nov 30th 4 regiments our brigade marched about 1 mile to the right
without knapsacks they belonged to party that expected to
storm the works at 8.30 the seige pieces opened but fired
but a few shots our reg[crossed out] brigade returned at dark to the old
position  Dec 1st cold we lay still all day towards night
there was some signs that we would fall back we started
at 7 PM and marched along the pike for some distanse then
crossed to the plank road and crossed the river at Germania
Ford and halted towards morning of De 2d marched to Stevensburg Dec 3d
crossed the Rappahannock   Dec 4 marched to this place were we have
been since excepting three weeks at Bealton but expect to leave soon
the duty here is hard and you cannot tell at what time the small detachments
may be captured by superior forces.  Our Reg’t was paid to day.  Give my best
respects to all that inquire after me and answer this at your earliest
convenience.   Yours Truly Augustus C Goldin


[Pg19]

Camp near Yellow House Virginia

October 23d 1864

Friend Sturgess

It being some time
since I wrote to you concluded to let
you know what we are doing since last
spring we have moved over quite a piece of
country, at present we find ourselves about
one mile West of the Weldon rail-road we have
been here nearly three weeks, we were encamped
on the East side of the road from August 21st
to September 30th, before that were near the
Norfolk rail-road from June 18th to August 18th

On the 4th of May we crossed the Rapidan
with 498 men up to June 30th had lost in killed
wounded, prisoners and sick 300 on the 18th 19th & 21st
of August lost in killed wounded & missing 194 and
about 6 on the 30th of September and 1st of October on
the Squirrel level road in addition to this about
40 have been discharged so that you will see
that our losses have amounted to more than
100 per cent of the original number but there


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has been enough joined from absent sick, on
furlough, and recruits, to make our present number
198.

The weather has been fine this month
though the nights are cold, making a fire
comfortable; many of the regiments have
commenced building log houses but I think
they will soon have to leave them,
this would be a bad place to winter wood is
to scarce.

There is some political talk here if
we would believe the Washington Chronicle the
army is a [unit?] for Lincoln but from
personal observation know that around here he
is in the minority his greatest strength
lies among the new regiments and one year
men they staid at home as long as
they could but many of them was forced
to come out and leave their Loyal leagues
at home, having great fears of the draft
before their eyes; voting is going on in the
New York regiments the law of New York is
considered the best yet out as there is but
little chance for the government officials to


[Pg21]

change the ballot to suit the majority
needed.

My time will be out one month from
to day if nothing happens to prevent

This is all at present

Yours Truly

August C Goldin
12th US Infantry